Not everything is about looks ...form follows function.
If you can have both, why sacrifice either?
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Not everything is about looks ...form follows function.
Looks are subjective.
For example I always thought the 4x4 labs bumpers look like s*** on an 80. Both front and back. But that doesn’t mean they are not a quality solution.
I like the ARB from a function standpoint, and it fits the "era" of our trucks.Agreed.
But if I'm spending bumper money it needs to look good too
I like the ARB from a function standpoint, and it fits the "era" of our trucks.
That said, I don't think it compliments the "lines" of the truck. I don't like the high clearance bumpers for rock crawling, but also don't want a giant wedge on the front. I have wanted to design something myself, but don't have the time to sit down and "sketch it out". I want to use pipe and make rounded edges to follow more of the lines and not as many brake lines as I feel they are too sharp for the age of the truck. I don't want something that's going to look like a 1980's K-Car square body.
I'll know it when I see it, but I'm probably going to have to do my own, but because of time constraints, I'll probably buy an ARB or a Slee short bus, but I want more protection for the headlights and hood than a Shortbus can provide.
So I've been running without a bumper for 6 years trying to make a decision......Just my winch on the front.
True. Much better finish and can get in OD or pipe diameters.Tube.
Pipe is for poop.
Tube is for bending
Could start with a tjm bumper front. It’s basically a stripped arb without the tube on top. Also the arb bumpers look a lot different when you shave the bottom edge off and box them in. That’s what I have had in mind.I like the ARB from a function standpoint, and it fits the "era" of our trucks.
That said, I don't think it compliments the "lines" of the truck. I don't like the high clearance bumpers for rock crawling, but also don't want a giant wedge on the front. I have wanted to design something myself, but don't have the time to sit down and "sketch it out". I want to use pipe and make rounded edges to follow more of the lines and not as many brake lines as I feel they are too sharp for the age of the truck. I don't want something that's going to look like a 1980's K-Car square body.
I'll know it when I see it, but I'm probably going to have to do my own, but because of time constraints, I'll probably buy an ARB or a Slee short bus, but I want more protection for the headlights and hood than a Shortbus can provide.
So I've been running without a bumper for 6 years trying to make a decision......Just my winch on the front.
@BILT4ME
I’ve been in the same boat about wanting a “not quite arb” front bumper.
I would say I’ll help you but you will probably UT and MP my welds
Ass….
Do u have a picture of one modded like this?Could start with a tjm bumper front. It’s basically a stripped arb without the tube on top. Also the arb bumpers look a lot different when you shave the bottom edge off and box them in. That’s what I have had in mind.
I have had a 4x4 labs front and a tjm front bumper on my 80's series over the years. I love the tjm I got now. I added a couple small loops for extra deer protection. But honestly I think the tjm front has everything an 80 series bumper needs and nothing extra. I love having a light bumper that I can remove by myself.
Before adding extra tubing:
View attachment 2936441
After the extra tubing:
View attachment 2936455
No but there are threads on here about it. Cut off that vertical lip that runs along the bottom and box it up high and tight.Do u have a picture of one modded like this?